Gas spring mounting assembly and method for metal forming dies

Abstract

A gas spring mount and related method for metal forming dies includes a one-piece, generally U-shaped clamping band with an arcuate medial portion shaped to receive an associated gas spring body therein, and two enlarged ends with through apertures. Threaded mounting screws extend through the through apertures in the clamping band ends, and are anchored into threaded retainer holes in an associated die member. At least one of the mounting screws has a tapered head and is disposed laterally offset from the associated threaded retainer hole in the die, whereby tightening of the one screw shifts the related enlarged end of the mounting band laterally toward the opposite enlarged end to pull the clamping band constrictingly against the gas spring body to securely, yet detachably retain the same therein.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION AND CLAIM TO PRIORITY[0001]The present application is related to commonly assigned, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 331,167, filed even date herewith, entitled GAS SPRING MOUNTING ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR METAL FORMING DIES, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.[0002]Applicants hereby claim the priority benefits under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §119, basing said claim of priority on related Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 425,376, filed Dec. 21, 2010.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]The present invention relates to metal forming dies the like, and in particular to a gas spring mounting assembly and associated method.[0004]Metal forming dies, such as stamping dies and the like, are well known in the art. Progressive metal forming dies are unique, very sophisticated mechanisms which have multiple stations or progressions that are aligned longitudinally, and are designed to perform a specified operation at eac...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The solution simplifies the assembly and maintenance of metal forming dies by securely retaining gas springs with minimal footprint, reducing manufacturing time and costs, and accommodating various gas spring sizes and shapes without requiring special retention features, thus enhancing efficiency and reducing production complexity.

Problems solved by technology

Current die making processes require carefully machined, precision holes, and recesses in the die set for mounting the individual components, such that the same are quite labor intensive, and require substantial lead time to make, test and set up in a stamping press.

Heretofore, spring devices have been mounted in the various die components and / or die shoes using custom fitting techniques that require time consuming, accurate machining, which increases the overall cost and complexity of the metal forming die.

While such prior art constructions are generally effective, they are complicated and expensive.

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